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Summary

A critical introduction to Hegel's metaphysics and philosophy of nature.

Petrified Intelligence offers the first comprehensive treatment of Hegel's Philosophy of Nature, exploring its central place within his system, including its relation to his Logic, Philosophy of Mind, and moral and political thought. It highlights the contemporary relevance of Hegel's approach to nature, particularly with respect to environmental issues. Challenging the standard view that Hegel devalues nature relative to mind and culture, Alison Stone reveals the deep concern to re-enchant the natural world that pervades his entire philosophical project. Written in clear and nontechnical language, the book also provides a critical introduction to Hegel's metaphysics.

“Stone has provided a book that is an indispensable contribution to environmental philosophers and Hegel scholars alike. However, like all good books, the real importance of this work lies in the fact that Stone has created a space for, and offers an invitation to, others to further develop the work that she has begun.” — Environmental Values

"Stone makes a plausible case for the position that Hegel's philosophy of nature is not only part of a broader and defensible metaphysics, but also is practically relevant, suggestive, and 'useful' to those concerned about environmental philosophy. This book makes an original and important contribution to the scholarship on Hegel's philosophy of nature."  Michael Baur, coeditor of The Emergence of German Idealism

"This is a bold and innovative work that makes a substantial contribution to both Hegel and ethical studies. It is the first time, to my knowledge, that anyone has attempted the project Stone proposes, namely, a new reading of Hegel's Philosophy of Nature that aims at a revaluation of nature and sensibility. I found it very interesting and thought-provoking, exhibiting a high level of scholarship and very thorough acquaintance with the majority of Hegel's writings; her arguments are well thought out and very persuasive."  Ken Foldes, author of Hegel and the Solution to Our Postmodern World Crisis: Essays

Alison Stone is Lecturer in Philosophy at the Institute for Environment, Philosophy, and Public Policy at Lancaster University in England.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: The Problem of Hegel's Philosophy of Nature

Abbreviations

1. A Priori Knowledge in Hegel's Philosophy of Nature

Textual Ambiguities in the Philosophy of Nature How Cogent is Strong A Priorism?
How Cogent is Weak A Priorism?
Metaphysical Disputes in the Interpretation of the Philosophy of Nature The Fecundity of the Strong A Priori Reading

2. The Development of Nature: Overcoming the Division between Matter and Thought

Hegel's Rationalist Conception of Nature
Rationalist and Scientific Conceptions of Nature
Teleology and Modern Science
Science, A Priori Reasoning, and the Rationality of Nature
Nature as Petrified Intelligence

4. Two Defenses of Hegel's Metaphysics of Nature

The Limits of Empirical Science
Hegel's Argument from Explanatory Power
Hegel's Argument from Systematic Derivation
From Logic to Nature?

5. Sensibility and the Elements

Bildung and the Articulation of Sensibility
The Elements in Sensibility
The Physical Elements in Nature
Rationality and Dynamism in Elemental Nature
Evaluating Hegel's Phenomenological Argument

6. Ethical Implications of Hegel's Theory of Nature

Ethical Complexity in the Philosophy of Nature Practical Reason in the World
The Goodness of Nature
Sensibility and the Intrinsic Value of Nature
The Morality of Transforming Nature
How Consistent is Hegel's Account of Nature's Ethical Status?
Assessment of Hegel's Ethical Argument